What is athleisure?

Athleisure. We hear and see that word a lot especially in magazines and fashion media accounts. However, what’s the real meaning behind it? In simpler terms, athleisure is basically athletic wear worn also during leisurely activities, hence the name athleisure. The fashion trend is a solution to those who do daily activities but then need to head to the gym later that afternoon. According to Forbes, “One of the reasons for the massive popularity of the athleisure trend is that it filled a gap in the market place, where clothing that was functional wasn’t particularly stylish.”

Juicy Couture’s well-known track suits have come running back into department stores now. The tracksuit used to be fashion symbol throughout the early 2000s but since then has made a comeback due to the athleisure trend. I remember when I was younger buying the velour track pants and matching shirts.

I, myself, am one of the millions of young women who go along with the trend. Over time, I’ve found myself to only be looking through sport-orientated clothing stores such as adidas and six02. Then in regular retail stores, I’d head straight to the active wear in search of a piece of athleisure apparel. Don’t get me wrong, I do go to the gym. However, I’ve found that the cool look of athleisure wear to be what draws me to it.

Footwear, especially, has been taking advantage of the athleisure craze. One can take for example Rihanna’s line of footwear for Puma. Looking at these platform sneakers, one may think “Who would wear this to the gym?” However, that’s how big the athleisure trend has grown. Apparel and footwear that may come off as “athletic” don’t necessarily represent what a person would actually wear working out. Bloomingdale’s title “athletic aesthetic” perfectly describes that.

Stella McCartney’s collaboration with adidas, adidas by Stella McCartney, has been and continues to emphasize on the designer aspect of athletic wear. The line is among a number of other fashion brands that design attractive athletic wear. Other high-fashion designers such as Rebecca Minkoff and Tory Burch are expanding their collections towards the athletics.

Whether people really are looking for a solution to their hectic schedules or simply love the style, athleisure has made its way into the world of fashion and won’t be leaving anytime soon.